Erik checked his watch. The Admiral was supposed to be arriving any minute now. He gazed at the black chrome table in the centre of the conference room, a single hologram of Planet Nauru hung above it and provided some additional illumination to the room, alongside the lighting of the table. He turned his head and stared out the space window, and spotted a Rheinland Cruiser being escorted towards Durban by several fighters. He smiled in anticipation. A meeting with the Admiral of the Rheinland Military was a special honour, one that he would use to full advantage. It humoured him that, after a meeting with the Buro, the Military would be the next Rheinland lawful force to step foot on Durban. He wondered if he'd end up meeting the Chief Inspector of the Rheinland Federal Police under similar circumstances.
He brushed his suit one last time, before pressing a button on the communicator on his suit's collar. "They're approaching the station, tell the dock-masters to give access to the approaching Rheinland vessels and direct them to Conference Room #X32 once they land" he ordered "I will be waiting for Admiral Schmitt, tell her escorts to guard the room entrance alongside other Core security personnel".
He returned to the table and took a seat. He swiped his hand over the surface, causing a holographic UI to appear. He selected an option which made the hologram of Nauru vanish and to be replaced by an image of Durban, followed by the closing of the UI. He leaned forward onto the table, patiently awaiting for the arrival of the Admiral through the door.
“Vizeadmiral Stahl, we have just received docking clearance. Shall we proceed?” The pilot reported. “Very well, proceed as planned.” Vizeadmiral Friedhelm Stahl replied and watched as the mighty vessel slowly approached the station. He then turned around and faced Admiral Larissa Schmitt, who was sitting in her command chair, silently observing her subordinates carrying out their duties. “Admiral, the docking procedures will be finished in roughly ten minutes.”
“Excellent.” She simply replied. “I’ve also given the order to assemble your guards. They’re ready to accompany you aboard the station.” Vizeadmiral Stahl added, motioning to one of his subordinates to call for the guard’s captain. “Attention, we will begin with the docking sequence now.” The pilot said and began to steer the cruiser towards Durban’s hangar bay.
“To think that anybody would be insane enough to make it comfy for themselves in such a hostile region”, Larissa mentioned as she observed the pilot doing his job “...quite the achievement I must say.” She then added. Meanwhile, the captain of Larissa’s guards entered the bridge and appropriately greeted her with a salute. “Ah, Herr Leutnant, nice of you to join us.” Larissa began. “Just to repeat what has already been stated in previous briefings, we are guests here, which means that we must act accordingly. I hope that you and your men will do exactly that.” She then added with her typical, strict tone. “Jawohl, Admiral!” The Leutnant replied.
Ten minutes later
“Docking procedures complete, Herr Vizeadmiral!” The pilot said to Vizeadmiral Stahl. “Very well, good work.” He replied and turned to Schmitt, who simply nodded. She then stood up. “You have command of the Verdandi for now.” Larissa simply said and motioned to her Leutnant to follow. Everybody saluted as she left the bridge.
They were joined by the remaining five members of the guard detachment and disembarked the cruiser together. Outside, they were greeted by Core security personnel who directed them towards the conference room #X32. On their way there, Larissa tried to observe as many things as possible to get an impression of the Core. After all, it was planned to have the Military cooperate with the Core, and it was in Larissa’s interest to verify whether the Core could indeed become a trustworthy ally.
After reaching the conference room, she instructed her guards to remain outside and assist the Core security personnel. Larissa then entered the room to meet Erik Nodtviet.